What is the necessary feedback response to $""$Power is the capacity to influence others; leadership is the exercise of that capacity," $($Burke$,2024).$ Having the power to lead does not make an individual a leader. The transformational leader that I have had during my career have shown just how inspirational one person can be$.$ This leader was able to foster an environment of intellectual stimulation, by providing individual$$consideration and articulating a compelling vision for the future. Innovation and creativity were always encouraged,$$which led to significant organizational change and improvement.

Burns describes the difference between, what he believes, is a leader and a manager. A leader achieves$$commitment via$$inspiration$,$while a manager achieves through involvement and a leader plans for long$-$term, while a manager plans for short$-$term, are just a few examples $($Burke$,2024).$ The leader I had to$$pleasure to work with was known for her transformational leadership. She came into the organization with a compelling vision that would help improve our manning issues, which would allow for members to take leave and spend more time with family. During this time, I was an active duty mom who had a husband that was deployed, so the idea of having more time to take time off and spend time with family was inspiring and motivating.

For once in my military career, I felt like someone understood just how important family is$.$ Although we all volunteered to serve, many of us still wanted to have a spouse to build a home with and children to raise. This leader was involved in individualized considerations, in which she took the time to learn about our goals and aspirations, while understanding our family dynamics, as well. She was a true role model for many of us$,$ especially myself, a female working in a male dominated career field. She reminded me about my strong sower ethic, reminded me that I was so resilient to all things that came my way, and she taught me about true leadership.

I$$believe we learn about our own leadership styles just by dealing with the leaders we encounter, both good and bad leaders. My goal is to listen, and stay humble. One thing I have learned throughout my career is that we can learn something from everyone, regardless of their rank, their position, or their beliefs. I remind myself to be open$-$minded and listen to the ideas of others, I think we may all be surprised, at times, at what others come up with. Learning about a transformational leader and how inspirational they can be$,$ and also learning about the different characteristics of a leader and a manager reminds me to always lead, never manage. Even with the title of manager, one can truly take on leadership qualities and make a difference in those they manage."